17 Flavorful Dinners with Minimal Effort

Finding time to prepare a meal can be tough, but it doesn’t always have to be a chore. Meals that come together quickly can save the day. These 17 simple recipes offer great variety without needing lots of time. Skip the stress and still enjoy a nice mix of flavors.

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill.
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce in a black skillet.
Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Whipping up a perfect plate of pasta becomes a breeze with Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce. Its creamy goodness pairs well with various dishes and can be cooked in a snap. The magic of restaurant flavor comes home, saving you time and effort. Pair it with your favorite pasta or even drizzle it over veggies. You get a delicious, no-fuss meal that feels like a special treat.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

With Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo, a quick dinner that’s both flavorful and impressive is within reach. The rich, savory mixture of shrimp and sauce can turn any night into a special occasion. All it takes is a short prep time, and you’re set for a restaurant-like experience at home. Ideal for busy evenings or relaxed weekends, this dish doesn’t require a lot of effort to please everyone at the table. Whether for a family dinner or entertaining friends, it’s an easy way to win hearts.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

A plate of Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp served on a white rectangular dish.
Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Enjoying Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp at home means you get that perfect mix of sweet and savory without any fuss. It’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. This dish works well for a speedy dinner or a fun luncheon. It captures the iconic flavor of your favorite takeout without the wait. You’ll love how simple it is to bring an Asian-inspired meal to your kitchen with ease.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken in a bowl with a bowl of rice in the background.
Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

The bold and savory flavors of Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken make dinner a breeze. It’s a stress-free way to enjoy a takeout favorite without leaving home. This home-cooked version ensures you control the ingredients while keeping prep time short. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it brings excitement without extensive effort. Share it with family or friends, knowing it’s a guaranteed hit.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A white bowl of rigatoni pasta with creamy sauce, garnished with cheese and green herbs, is placed on a wooden surface. A hand is holding a fork with a piece of pasta.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Elevate a weeknight dinner with minimal effort using Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. This easy yet impressive dish brings a rich flavor without complicated steps. It’s perfect when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The blend of sauce and pasta offers an excellent balance that’s sure to please. Whether for a casual dinner or a special night, it’s simplicity at its best.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Croquettes on a white plate with tomatoes and broccoli.
Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Making dinner exciting yet simple is what Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes does best. These croquettes offer a crunchy bite that’s perfect for a quick and delicious meal. No need for complicated recipes; this option keeps things straightforward. With a delightful texture, it’s bound to be a household favorite. Serve with salad or veggies for a complete easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A white plate with Salisbury steak topped with mushroom gravy on mashed potatoes, accompanied by a side of green peas.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you want comfort food without the hassle, Diner Style Salisbury Steak is your answer. It brings classic flavors to the table in no time. This hearty dish is perfect for busy nights when you need something filling and fast. Serve it with mashed potatoes or veggies, and dinner is ready in a snap. It’s an easy way to enjoy a traditional favorite without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Close-up of a hand holding a fork with a bite of copycat Alice spring chicken.
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

You’ll love how Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken turns a simple dinner into something special. This dish brings a savory and satisfying flavor that’s quick to prepare. Great for weeknights, it ensures you get delicious results with minimal prep work. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a versatile meal. Your family will enjoy the restaurant-quality taste right at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

A plate of Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers sprinkled with chopped herbs.
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Creating a flavorful dinner is simple with Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. This dish is packed with flavors that come together quickly. Whether for a weekday dinner or a weekend gathering, it’s a reliable option. It’s hearty and filling, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal. Enjoy the ease of cooking without compromising on taste.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Two bowls of Copycat Carrabba's Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Soup, accompanied by two spoons, a black pepper grinder, and a napkin.
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A warming bowl of Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup is perfect for any night. This soup brings comfort with minimal effort, ideal for busy schedules. You’ll have a hearty and delicious meal ready without hours in the kitchen. It’s a go-to for anyone craving a tasty, homemade soup. Just pair it with some bread, and you’re set for an easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

A closeup of Jason's Deli Irish Potato Soup.`
Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

The creaminess of Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup makes it an easy favorite for dinner. This soup is simple to prepare and perfect for those chilly evenings. It’s hearty and satisfying without a lot of prep time involved. Pair it with a salad or sandwich for a full meal. Quick and flavorful, it’s the kind of dish everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A white rectangular plate with several meatballs covered in tomato sauce, garnished with chopped basil.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Have an easy dinner ready with minimal effort using Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day. This dish is a wonderful time-saver for busy families, delivering flavor with ease. The meatballs are tender and well-seasoned, perfect with rice or pasta. You get to enjoy a home-cooked meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Top-down shot of two Leftover Steak Soft Tacos on a slate board.
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Turn your leftovers into a fantastic dinner with Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. These tacos are quick to prepare and full of flavor. Just a few extra minutes, and you have a whole new meal on the table. They’re perfect for a casual dinner, offering a tasty way to repurpose what’s already in your fridge. Simple and satisfying, they make weeknight dinners a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

A tray of cheddar bacon loaded tater tots, drizzled with Alfredo sauce, with a hand-picking one up.
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Enjoy a comforting and quick snack with Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots. Perfect for game night or a quick dinner, these tots are easy to love. Minimal prep time lets you enjoy more with less hassle. Pair them with a salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal. It’s a go-to when you need something quick and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

Wild Rice Salad

Wild rice salad served on a white rectangular plate.
Wild Rice Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a quick and nutritious meal, Wild Rice Salad is a great option. It’s easy to prepare and brings a satisfying crunch to your table. Ideal as a side dish or a main course, it fits into any meal plan. With minimal cooking involved, you get to enjoy a great blend of textures and flavors. Perfect for busy days when you need something fast and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots

Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots on parchment paper, topped with Alfredo cheese, green onions, and a drizzle of white sauce, placed on a dark rectangular slate plate.
Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bring home the flavors of a favorite takeout with Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots. These tots are easy to prepare and full of the cheesesteak taste you love. They’re a fun option for weeknight dinners or weekend snacks. A little effort goes a long way, making them an easy choice for busy schedules. Enjoy them as a main or a side for a quick, delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Tots

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill.
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

You’ll love the simplicity and flavor of Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. It’s a quick dish that brings refreshing tastes to your table. Perfect for a light dinner or a hearty lunch, it’s versatile and easy to make. With just a few steps, you have a meal that’s both fulfilling and delightful. An excellent choice for busy days when time is short, but you still want a great meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Leave a Comment